Bacterial Vaginosis

is an infection of the vagina. BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.

Bacterial Vaginosis Overview

Reviewed: September 10, 2014

Updated: August 5, 2015

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the vagina that develops when the normal balance of vaginal bacteria is disrupted. BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.

Examples of activities that change the normal bacterial balance include douching, taking antibiotics, wearing an intrauterine device (IUD), and having unprotected sexual activity. BV is more common in sexually active women than in non-sexually active women, but it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

The main symptom of BV is a thin vaginal discharge that appears grayish white and smells of fish, especially after sexual activity. Other symptoms may include burning when urinating, itching around the outside of the vagina, and irritation. These symptoms may also be caused by another type of infection, so it is important to see a doctor. Many women with BV have no symptoms at all.

BV is often diagnosed based on a pelvic exam and symptoms, however certain tests can help confirm the diagnosis.

BV will sometimes go away without treatment. Your healthcare provider may choose to treat it with antibiotics if your symptoms persist.

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatments

BV will sometimes go away without treatment. But if you have symptoms of BV you should be checked and treated. It is important that you take all of the medicine prescribed to you, even if your symptoms go away. A health care provider can treat BV with antibiotics, but BV can recur even after treatment. Treatment may also reduce the risk for STDs.

Male sex partners of women diagnosed with BV generally do not need to be treated. However, BV may be transferred between female sex partners.

Enter multiple addresses on separate lines or separate them with commas.

Your Personal Message

All information on this site is provided "as-is" for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your health. The use of any information on this site is solely at your own risk.